Hogle Zoo receives Disney Conservation funding

SALT LAKE CITY — Hogle Zoo is throwing a party of sorts thanks to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The Zoo is receiving funding for a “Party for the Planet” with support from the Disney Conservation Fund. It’s part of an initiative to provide “family-friendly volunteer and conservation action opportunities that focus on creating healthy habitats to improve our planet.”

“AZA-accredited facilities are working to help save species worldwide, and inspire the next generation of conservationists to action,” said Dan Ashe, AZA president and CEO.

The AZA awarded grants to 11 projects under the direction of AZA facilities. Hogle Zoo received its award for “The Jordan River Project.” In a partnership with the Jordan River Commission, planned events include planting Monarch Waystations, restoring habitat through native tree planting, and cleaning the river from canoes. City and county library systems will make nature kits available in April at select branches. Monthly outings  — from tree planting, to trail maintenance, floating cleanups, to removal of invasive weeds — are being scheduled for the third Saturdays of each month.

“This partnership has not only resulted in 100 native trees planted, 204 pounds of invasive weeds removed, three pollinator habitats established, and three full dumpsters worth of trash removed from the river, but we’ve also seen families join us month after month creating a tradition of volunteering and contributing to restoration in their own community,” said Aimee Horman of the Jordan River Commission. “I really look forward to seeing both the familiar faces and new conservation volunteers every month, learning more and becoming greater stewards of the Jordan River.”

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JORDAN RIVER RESTORATION PROJECT

Additional dates to be announced

●      January 22: Tree planting and seeding, 10 a.m.

●      February 19: Trail cleanup, 10 a.m.

●      March 19: Understory planting, 10 a.m.

●      April 16: Planting, 9 a.m.

●      May 21: Monarch waystation planting, 9 a.m.

●      June 18: Floating cleanup, 9 a.m.

We've loved reflecting on our #TopMoments of 2021, from connecting people + nature, to protecting wildlife like butterflies and coral reefs, to supporting conservation efforts globally- we can't wait to protect the magic of nature together with you in 2022! #DisneyConservation pic.twitter.com/xXJVTx1wPx

— Disney Conservation (@DisneyConserves) December 31, 2021